Tributes paid to The Beat star Ranking Roger
He was one of the most important figures in a musical movement that sought to rid the streets of racism during the divisive days of the 1970s and 1980s.
Ranking Roger was a son of Birmingham whose work with The Beat helped to shape Two Tone; a movement that provided a voice to those disaffected by Thatcher’s Britain.
So it was perhaps no surprise that stars have lined up to pay tribute to The Beat’s frontman, real name Roger Charlery, after his death at the ago of 56.
He died on Tuesday, surrounded by his family, having suffered a stroke last year, and been diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer in recent months.
In a statement, his band, The Beat, said: “He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter. Sadly Roger passed away a few hours ago peacefully at his home surrounded by family.
“Roger’s family would like to thank everyone for their constant support during this tough time. More to follow in the coming days. RIP ROGER!”
After his initial spell with The Beat, Charlery featured in General Public and Big Audio Dynamite, among others, though it was for his early work that he is best remembered.
In recent years the band had enjoyed a renaissance, playing shows throughout Europe as well as being in demand for major UK tours.
Among those paying tribute online was singer Billy Bragg, who tweeted: “Very sorry to hear that Ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy.”
Former Specials singer Neville Staple said he was “devastated to lose Roger, my Special Beat partner.”
And UB40 posted a picture of Charlery on Twitter in tribute to the late singer while the band’s touring vocalist Matt Hoy posted a tribute on Instagram saying: “Rest in Peace Ranking Roger, such sad news!! Lovely guy… Way too young!! Condolences to his family.”
Singer-songwriter Sting also paid tribute to Charlery, posting a lengthy statement to social media.
The former singer of The Police described the birth of Charlery’s band as an “explosive clash of cultures” prompted by Margaret Thatcher’s “disunited kingdom”.
Charlery and Sting recorded together a number of times and Charley sang Roxanne onstage with Sting’s group during their 2007 world tour.
The star added: “My friend Roger, as a founding member of the English Beat was at the centre of this febrile and explosive clash of cultures, uniquely placed to document the excitement of those times, the heady joy of success, the political turmoil, the inherent racism at all levels of our society as well as the brotherly bond of musicians struggling to make themselves heard within it. Thank you, Roger. You will be missed.”
The Beat enjoyed a string of hits, including Mirror in the Bathroom, Save It for Later, Too Nice to Talk To, Can’t Get Used to Losing You, and Hands Off, She’s Mine, and All Out to Get You.
They fused ska, reggae, punk, pop and new wave after Charlery had joined to record their first single, Tears of a Clown, a cover version of Smokey Robinson’s Motown hit.
Despite health challenges, Charlery released an album, Public Confidential, in January and finished a memoir.
He is survived by his partner Pauline and five children including Ranking Junior, with whom he has made music for the last decade.
